‘Rahul Dravid, Sanjay Bangar key factors in Indian cricket team’s dominance’

These are exciting times for Indian cricket. Under Virat Kohli, India have registered nine straight ODI wins, equalling their best streak which they achieved in 2008-09.

The side is currently ranked No.1 in both Tests and ODIs, the first time they have achieved this since the start of the ICC rankings in 2002.

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Amay Khurasiya, who played 12 ODIs for India from 1999 to 2001 and played Ranji Trophy for Madhya Pradesh from 1989 till 2007, proudly states that two people, who are quietly working behind the scenes, are responsible for this dominance.

Speaking exclusively to Hindustan Times, Khurasiya, who scored over 7,000 runs for his state, credited the role of Sanjay Bangar, the batting coach of the Indian cricket team and Rahul Dravid, the coach of the Under-19 and India A teams, for the success.

“The good thing that has happened to Indian cricket in the last 3-4 years has been the presence of Sanjay Bangar. He is a hard-working coach and an honest individual. One cannot replace probity which holds the key at the top. Bangar has been in domestic cricket for close to 20 years. He was a very committed person as a player and is the same as a coach,” Khurasiya said.

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India's cricket team batting coach Sanjay Bangar, centre, talks to Manish Pandey, left, and Shardul Thakur. (AP)

None like Dravid

Khurasiya also praised his former India team-mate Rahul Dravid and said his services as coach of the India U-19 and A teams show how much he wants to contribute to Indian cricket.

“Dravid had the job of Indian cricket team head coach on a platter. However, he said that he wanted to work at the U-19 level and understand coaching to build the future of cricket in the country. How many people in that capacity have done this?” Khurasiya said.

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The left-hander, who smashed 57 on debut against Sri Lanka in Pune, said that with the pedigree of Dravid’s class handling the grassroots, it will not be long before the next line of Virat Kohlis or Cheteshwar Pujaras come up the ranks.

“The best part of Dravid was that he asked for it. The future lies with the benches, the grassroots. The grassroots level is being taken care of by a guy who has scored over 20,000 runs. Nothing can be better,” Khurasiya said.